§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many elderly people in Northern Ireland are accommodated as home owners, Housing Executive tenants, private tenants, old people's homes or in long term hospital units; and, of these, how many (i) live alone, (ii) with spouse, (iii) with elderly relatives or (iv) with non-elderly family.
§ Mr. Chris PattenInformation is not readily available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, at 31 December 1982 there were 4,128 elderly people accommodated in old88W people's homes including homes for the mentally confused elderly. At the same date there were an estimated 2,617 beds in geriatric units in general hospitals in addition to those beds which are occupied by the elderly in psychiatric hospitals and hospitals for the mentally handicapped.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what problems faced by the elderly are particular priorities for action by the Government in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe top priorities in the field of health and personal social services for the elderly have been identified in the Regional Strategic Plan for the years 1983–88 which was published on 11 January 1984.
In addition the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and registered housing associations have made substantial progress in the provision of accommodation for the elderly, particularly in the field of sheltered accommodation.